Digital Commons Network^™

Reconsideration Of Kentucky's Prohibition Of Special And Local Legislation, Laurance B. Vanmeter

Kentucky Law Journal

No abstract provided.

Is Truth Truth?, James R. Steiner-Dillon

Kentucky Law Journal

No abstract provided.

Missing Missingness In Merger Analysis, Susan Navarro Smelcer

Kentucky Law Journal

No abstract provided.

Balancing Broad Disclosure And Candid Consideration: Third-Party Consultants And Intra-Agency Exemptions Under The Freedom Of Information Act, Zac Losey

Kentucky Law Journal

No abstract provided.

Underestimating Fraud, David Kwok

Kentucky Law Journal

No abstract provided.

Incorporation By Any Other Name? Comparing Congress' Federalization Of Tribal Court Criminal Procedure With The Supreme Court's Regulation Of State Courts, Jordan Gross

Kentucky Law Journal

No abstract provided.

Interdisciplinary Beef - Forage Management Demonstrations, G D. Lacefield, W R. Burris, E D. Miksch, M Rasnake

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

An interdisciplinary project, designated as Comprehensive Cow-Calf Management Demonstrations, was initiated by a term of extension specialists to demonstrate recommended management practices for cow-calf producers. The team consisted of extension specialists in beef cattle, agronomy and veterinary science. Cooperators for comprehensive on-farm demonstrations were nominated by county extension agents for agriculture and local veterinary practitioners. Selected cooperators were using a minimum of recommended practices but exhibited a willingness to make suggested changes. Farms were inventoried initially for cattle number and condition, soil capability and fertility, and existing facilities. Farm plans were then developed that would permit utilization of available resources …

Candida Auris Screening, Positivity Trends, And Patient Characteristics At The University Of Kentucky Between 2021 And 2024, Faith Fursman, Natalie Fitzsimmons, Da Nelle Overton, Court Desmond, Kimberly Blanton, Kevin W. Hatton, Rachel Howard, David Olafsson, Sean Mctigue, Nicholas Van Sickels, Derek Forster, Takaaki Kobayashi

Surgery Faculty Publications

We evaluated a targeted Candida auris screening program, which revealed a 0.96% positivity rate. The proportion of community-onset cases increased from 8% to 54% following implementation. No significant differences in demographic or clinical characteristics were observed between patients with colonization and those with infection.

Precision Assessment Of Facial Asymmetry Using 3d Imaging And Artificial Intelligence, Mohamed Adel, Katie Jo Hunt, Daniel Lau, James K Hartsfield, Hugo Reyes-Centeno, Cynthia S Beeman, Tarek Elshebiny, Lina Sharab

Anthropology Faculty Publications

Objectives: There is a growing interest among practitioners in employing artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the precision and efficiency of diagnostic methods. The objective of this study is to assess the precision of an AI-based method for facial asymmetry assessment using 3D facial images. Methods: The study included 130 patients (84 female, 46 male), analyzing 3D facial images from the Vectra ® M3 imaging system using both manual and AI-based methods. Seven bilateral facial landmarks were identified for manual analysis, calculating the asymmetry index for facial symmetry assessment. An AI-based program was developed to automate the identification of the same …

Do Honey Phytochemicals Modulate Forager Aggression And The Gut Microbiome In The Honey Bee (Apis Mellifera L.)?, Wade A. Pike, Jaesylin Stephens, Mariah Donohue, Katsuri Rajandran, Erin D. Tranore, Abdallah Sher, Emily Croteau, Clare C. Rittschof

Biology Faculty Publications

Plant phytochemicals found in nectar impact bee learning and memory and plant pollination success. Especially for generalist pollinators, dietary changes that alter phytochemical consumption could be common sources of behavioral variation. For honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) foragers, a major potential change in phytochemical consumption occurs when individuals switch from collecting nectar from flowers to collecting honey from neighboring colonies, a phenomenon known as honey robbing. In this study we investigated whether phytochemicals dominant in honey compared to nectar act as a short-term trigger of robbing behaviors in honey bee, which include increased aggression. We fed forager honey bees sucrose …

Estrogen Signaling Is Necessary For The Sex Difference In Simulated Jet Lag In Mice, Maria A. Venegas, Nicholas Westray, Samuel Nwadialo, Yuriko Katsumata, Julie S. Pendergast

Biology Faculty Publications

The circadian system coordinates 24-h cycles of internal biological processes with the environmental light-dark cycle. Abrupt shifts in the timing of the light-dark cycle misalign internal circadian clocks with the environment and cause jet lag until resynchronization occurs. The objective of this study was to investigate the sex difference in simulated jet lag in mice. Female mice resynchronized faster than male mice to 6-h advances of the light-dark cycle that mimicked eastward travel. Circulating estradiol was necessary and sufficient for rapid resynchronization in female mice since ovariectomized females resynchronized slower than mice treated with estradiol. Disabling estrogen receptor a (ERa), …

Mechanical Distention Of Organotypic Hippocampal Slice Culture Membranes For High-Throughput In Vitro Modeling Of Traumatic Brain Injury, Julia Jagielo-Miller, Caleb Bailey, Samir Patel, Paresh Prajapati, Cassidy Leibold, Patrick Sullivan, Mark Prendergast

Biology Faculty Publications

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) results from impact to the head that induces both primary and secondary injuries. Secondary injuries are characterized by downstream inflammation, metabolic dysfunction, and cell death manifest from the inflicting primary injury to the head. Secondary injury offers a window for therapeutic interventions, but the multifaceted nature of secondary injury is complicated, necessitating mechanistic tools to screen the efficacy of such interventions. As such, utilizing animal models to define the features of secondary injury mechanisms is critical for medications development. Various animal TBI models employ specialized equipment to recapitulate both primary and secondary injury aspects of human …

Air Traffic–Collegiate Training Initiative Program Feasibility In Kentucky, Gayle Marks, Bryan Gibson

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Each day, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) air traffic control specialists (ATCSs) handle over 44,000 flights and oversee 29 million square miles of the United States National Airspace System. However, staffing shortages have grown more acute over the past 10 years, which has led to delayed and cancelled flights, a higher number of close misses over a short period of time, and frustrating air travel experiences. While the FAA has redoubled its efforts to recruit more ATCSs, it has limited training capacity. To expand training options available to prospective ATCSs, the FAA is working with postsecondary educational institutions to expand its …

Hypogammaglobulinemia And Infection Rates In Patients With Multiple Sclerosis Treated With Ocrelizumab For Up To Six Years, B. Khatri, P. Van Zealand, S. Tarima, S. Schutten, A. Baker, T. Perea

Biostatistics Faculty Publications

Objectives and aims: Ocrelizumab (OCR) is disease-modifying therapy that depletes B cells for the treatment of patients with relapsing and progressive multiple sclerosis (MS). The aim of this study was to evaluate occurrence of hypogammaglobulinemia and infection rates in patients with MS treated with OCR for up to 5.9 years in a real-world, single-center study. Methods: We assessed immunoglobulins IgG, IgM, IgA; CD19, CD4, CD8 cell counts, anti-JCV antibodies, at baseline and every six months prior to each OCR infusion. Mixed effects regression models controlling for random patient intercept were used to analyze immunological trends. Infections requiring oral or intravenous …

“A Blessing And A Curse”, Danielle M. Davidov, Caterina Defazio, Desireé N. Williford, Emily R. Clear, Heather M. Bush, Ann L. Coker

Biostatistics Faculty Publications

Purpose: Examining the influence of policy change and socio-political factors is paramount for contextualizing and addressing sexual violence. The purpose of this paper is to provide findings from a secondary qualitative analysis of the impacts of national and local high-profile events on the dialogue and actions surrounding violence prevention and response on college campuses. Methods: Data from mcBEE, a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-funded project exploring the adoption and implementation of violence prevention programming on multiple college campuses in the United States were used for this analysis. Data include responses from 60-min telephone interviews with key informants (i.e., campus …

“No Rest For Me Tonight”, Mairead E. Moloney, Daniela C. Moga, Michael Grandner, Nancy Schoenberg

Anthropology Faculty Publications

Objectives: Insomnia disproportionally affects women and is prevalent among rural Appalachian adults at higher rates than in the general US population. Given the strong, bi-directional relationship between sleep and health, a better understanding of insomnia in this health-disparate population is critical. The present study focused on the sex (females), gender (women), and age group (45+) at highest insomnia risk and explores the social determinants of sleep that contributed to insomnia. Methods: Semistructured telephone interviews were conducted to understand factors associated with insomnia among rural Appalachian women who self-reported insomnia symptoms ≥3 nights per week for ≥3 months. Interviews were recorded …

Antibiotic Treatment Duration For Isolated Methicillin-Susceptible Staphylococcus Aureus Native Tricuspid Valve Endocarditis, Sami El-Dalati, Bennett Collis, Evan Hall, Talal Alnabelsi, Chloe Cao, Meredith Johnson, John Gurley, Luke Strnad, Hassan Reda, Michael Sekela, Armaghan E.Rehman Mansoor, David Olafsson, William Harris, Bobbi Jo Stoner

Surgery Faculty Publications

Background MSSA tricuspid valve infective endocarditis (TVIE) is associated with significant morbidity and there is not consensus surrounding the optimal duration of antibiotic therapy. We report the outcomes of treating MSSA TVIE endocarditis using a multidisciplinary team and cardiovascular infectious diseases consult service. Methods Patients were identified from the multidisciplinary endocarditis team registry in a single-centre retrospective study. Results Between 7 September 2021 and 7 September 2024, 34 patients, including 27 who inject drugs, with isolated native MSSA TVIE were identified. Patients received a median of 28 days (IQR 11–41) of antibiotics and 50% transitioned to oral antibiotics for a …

Partial Oral Versus Intravenous Antibiotic Therapy For Endocarditis With Management By A Multidisciplinary Team, Sami El-Dalati, Bennett Collis, Takaaki Kobayashi, Evan Hall, Talal Alnabelsi, Chloe Cao, Meredith Johnson, John Gurley, Luke Strnad, Corey Adams, Victoria Weaver, Hassan Reda, Michael Sekela, Tessa London, Kara Kennedy, Armaghan E.Rehman Mansoor, David Olafsson, Grant Laugherty, Alyssa Tremblay, Angella Linder, Deborah Gill, Nicholas J. Van Sickels, Alexander Pomakov, William Harris, Bobbi Jo Stoner

Surgery Faculty Publications

Background. Despite trial data supporting oral stepdown therapy for infective endocarditis (IE), its use remains limited, especially in North America. We evaluated outcomes of patients with IE managed by a multidisciplinary team and treated with either intravenous (IV) or partial oral antibiotics. Methods. This was a single-center retrospective study of patients with definite IE identified from an institutional registry between 7 September 2021 and 1 March 2025. Clinical and outcomes data were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression. Results. Of 236 patients, 143 received IV therapy alone and 93 were transitioned to partial oral therapy. Baseline characteristics were similar, though valve …

Rrad-Reduction Reveals Efficacy Of Targeting L-Type Calcium Channel Regulation For Treatment Of Heart Failure, Garrett Elmore, Sarisha S. Lohano, Nicholas M. Mcvay, Bryana M. Levitan, Andrea Sebastian, Kyle W. Barker, Alec Dupont, Steven W. Leung, Riham R.E. Abouleisa, Pretty R. Mathew, Austin Wellette-Hunsucker, Austin T. Minton, Kenneth S. Campbell, Solomon W. Harrar, Mohammad Mehri, Jonathan F. Wenk, Tamer M.A. Mohamed, Douglas A. Andres, Jonathan Satin

Surgery Faculty Publications

Aims Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) is a major health problem. Increasing L-type calcium channel (LTCC) activity deteriorates heart function; however, myocardial RRAD knockout (cRADΔ/Δ) instills tonic modulated LTCC current (ICa,L) that preserves healthy myocardium. Thus, we chose to challenge the dogma that enhanced trigger Ca2+ is maladaptive. The study objective was to test the hypothesis that modulated ICa,L in cRADΔ/Δ mice rescues dilated cardiomyopathy by providing tonic modulated trigger Ca2+. Methods and results Mouse and human models were tested. The muscle lim protein knockout mouse (MLPKO) is a murine model of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and HFrEF. The …

Midterm Survival, Clinical, And Hemodynamic Outcomes Of A Novel Mechanical Mitral Valve Prosthesis, Marc Ruel, Michael W.A. Chu, Allen Graeve, Marc W. Gerdisch, Ralph J. Damiano, Robert L. Smith, William Brent Keeling, Michael A. Wait, Robert C. Hagberg, Reed D. Quinn, Gulshan K. Sethi, Rosario Floridia, Christopher J. Barreiro, Andrew L. Pruitt, Kevin D. Accola, Francois Dagenais, Alan H. Markowitz, Jian Ye, Michael E. Sekela, Ryan Y. Tsuda, David A. Duncan, Daniel G. Swistel, Lacy E. Harville, Joseph J. Derose, Eric J. Lehr, John H. Alexander, John D. Puskas

Surgery Faculty Publications

Objective: To evaluate the midterm survival, clinical, and hemodynamic outcomes of the On-X mechanical mitral valve, based on the 5-year results of the Prospective Randomized On-X Anticoagulation Clinical Trial (PROACT). Method: PROACT Mitral was a multicenter study evaluating 401 patients who underwent mitral valve replacement (MVR) with either Standard or Conform-X On-X mitral valves, comparing low-dose and standard-dose warfarin. Here we report prespecified secondary outcomes of survival, New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional classification, and valve hemodynamics as assessed by core lab–adjudicated echocardiography at 1, 3, and 5 years in the pooled population. Results: Actuarial survival was 99.7% at 1 …

An Animal Interest Approach Method As A Gateway To A One Health Educated Pipeline, Meghan C. Wulster-Radcliffe, Sarah A. Reed, James N. Macleod, Rebekah B. Epps, J. Scott Radcliffe, Robert J. Coleman, Steven A. Zinn

Animal and Food Sciences Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Multiomics Analysis Of Skeletal Muscle Identifies Dysregulation Of Hypoxia-Induced Genes In Peripheral Artery Disease, Ahmed Ismaeel, Emma Fletcher, Evlampia Papoutsi, Nicholas T. Thomas, William T. Bohannon, Iraklis I. Pipinos, Yuan Wen, Dimitrios Miserlis, Panagiotis Koutakis

Physiology Faculty Publications

BACKGROUND: Epigenetic modifications such as DNA methylation play a critical role in hypoxic cell programs. However, no previous studies have investigated the epigenetic regulation of gene expression in peripheral artery disease (PAD), a condition characterized by intermittent ischemia. Our study aims to examine how PAD affects the DNA methylome in skeletal muscle of patients with PAD with intermittent claudication or critical limb ischemia compared with non-PAD controls. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study evaluating differences in the DNA methylome and transcriptome using reduced representation bisulfite sequencing, and small and bulk RNA sequencing, in skeletal muscle from non-PAD controls, intermittent claudication, …

Thermoneutrality Does Not Affect Angiotensin Ii–Induced Aortic Aneurysms In Hypercholesterolemic Mice, Liyuan Zhu, Bowen Li, Michael K. Franklin, Deborah A. Howatt, Yuriko Katsumata, Alan Daugherty, Hong S. Lu

Physiology Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Scaling Symmetry Of The Hodgkin-Huxley Mathematical Model, Vladimir Valerievich Galanin

Progress in Scale Modeling, an International Journal

A computational method based on the application of a scaling transformation to the Hodgkin-Huxley mathematical model of the biological neuron and its generalizations to the case of various neural systems is proposed. The method makes it possible: 1) to obtain invariants of the scaling transformation of the Hodgkin-Huxley model; 2) to find self-similarity regions corresponding to the modes of neural activity; 3) to determine the conditions for the similarity of models of various types of biological neurons; 4) to reduce the order of the system of differential equations of the Hodgkin-Huxley model for neural systems with synchronous activity. The capabilities …

Outcomes Of Liver Transplantation In Patients With Severe Obesity, Alejandro Cracco, Mackenzie Donoho, Siddharth Desai, Meera Gupta, Alexandre Ancheta, Malay B. Shah, Xiaonan Mei, Francesc Marti, Roberto Gedaly

Surgery Faculty Publications

Background. – This study aims to evaluate the impact of obesity on post–liver transplant outcomes stratified by low- and high-performance status. Methods. – Patients undergoing liver transplantation between 2006 and 2023 were identified in the United Network for Organ Sharing data set. Patients with severe obesity body mass index ([BMI] ≥40 kg/m²) and super obesity (BMI >50 kg/m²) were compared with those with lower BMI on perioperative and long-term outcomes stratified by preoperative performance status. Results. – Severe obesity has a significant negative impact on perioperative and long-term outcomes on the low-performance group (LPG). This effect …

Health On The Rocks: Geohealth In Kentucky, Rachel L. Washburn

Special Publication--KGS

Geohealth bridges the earth and life sciences, revealing how Kentucky’s unique geology directly shapes public health risks, clinical outcomes, and opportunities for innovation. This factsheet highlights the critical intersections between geologic processes and human health across the Commonwealth—from landslides, floods, and tornadoes to radon, mine drainage, and microbial contamination. It outlines how natural and anthropogenic forces influence respiratory illness, cancer, trauma, and infectious disease, and how bedrock and weather extremes define local exposure pathways. Beyond risk, it also showcases Kentucky’s leadership in developing geoscience-informed health solutions: bioremediation, microbial drug discovery, and geologic-health monitoring networks that strengthen preparedness and resilience. Understanding …

Iodinated Disinfection Byproduct Formation From Iohexol In Sunlit And Chlorinated Urban Wastewaters, Reagan Patton Witt, Marcelo I. Guzman

Chemistry Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Leveraging Academic Health Departments For Place-Based Disaster Response: Lessons From Helene In Western North Carolina, Danny Scalise Ii, Sarah B. Thach, Ellis V. Matheson

Journal of Appalachian Health

This article examines the role of two Academic Health Departments (AHDs) in Buncombe and Burke Counties, North Carolina in responding to Hurricane Helene in 2024. The partnership between local health departments and the UNC Asheville – UNC Gillings Master of Public Health (MPH) Program fostered a place-based approach to public health. After the hurricane disrupted regional infrastructure, the AHDs integrated students and faculty into recovery efforts. This paper identifies key lessons for strengthening public health preparedness through academic-practice partnerships and highlights the importance of embedding education in local contexts.

Understanding Rural Health Through Rae Garringer's Country Queers: A Love Letter, Bradley A. Firchow

Journal of Appalachian Health

Rae Garringer’s Country Queers: A Love Letter examines the experiences of queer individuals in rural America, emphasizing the relationship between place and identity. Through oral histories, the book presents perspectives on community, resilience, and healthcare access. While not centered on medical care, it highlights challenges in obtaining affirming services in rural areas. Garringer’s experience as a standardized patient provides additional context on healthcare gaps. For public health professionals, Country Queers offers insight into the structural and social factors affecting rural LGBTQ2+ populations, contributing to a broader understanding of community health and identity in Appalachia and similar regions.

Evidence-Based Best Practices For Diabetes Education And Self-Care In Appalachia: A Literature Review, Angela J. Occidental, Inga M. Zadvinskis, Jacqueline Hoying

Journal of Appalachian Health

Introduction: The Appalachian Region has a higher prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and associated adverse health outcomes. Although numerous papers report best practices for diabetes care and education, a clinician-friendly, synthesized summary of best practices tailored to Appalachian cultural preferences is lacking.

Purpose: This paper uses the Melnyk & Fineout-Overholt evidence-based framework to identify the best practices for T2DM care and education for Appalachian residents.

Methods: A comprehensive literature search using the databases CINAHL, Academic Search Complete, and PubMed was guided by a PICOT question. Quality appraisals were completed for fifty-two articles; thirty papers were selected to synthesize …